Pez Davila
Stories
of
Everyday
Heroes
Pez’s Nomination Stories
Below is a collection of the many nominations for our 2025 Peace Hero Award WINNER!
Being a leader and inspiration to the youth of our community.
Constantly offering opportunities and activities for local youth
Community service. Working with kids
Understanding the needs of the broken community and being the change for the better.
By consistently putting other young individuals' priorities and needs ahead of his own and working with the youth in troubled scenarios throughout central Duluth he has demonstrated selflessness to the community that provides such great benefit to others in need!! This singular dedication is what makes communities function for future generations!!
The significant charity work he does throughout Duluth
Providing strong leadership and guidance for our Duluth Youth.
The energy he brings to every event and gathering is unmatched by anyone. He unites multiple groups of people. The amount of awareness he brings to everyone is beautiful! Could not imagine Duluth without him.
Long history of being a leader in the community and supporting our youth
Pez has been and continues to guide and support the youth of Duluth by dedicating majority of his time to these activities selflessly and consistently. Pez is a role model for countless kids and adults in our community including myself. Through his actions plenty of friendships and relationships are formed that would not be possible without his actions.
I have been with him in multiple occasions when he has had to leave to go help a young person at the hospital
I nominate Pez for: supporting our youth and the families in our community, attending readmit meetings for students who have had some struggles in school, creating a safe space for students outside of school, providing a place for students to receive academic support in and out of school, many adults in the community look to Pez for guidance and support. I have seen on many occasions where he has played the role of parent, guardian, teacher, coach and mentor for kids and adults.
He is making a positive change in our community by helping the young youth kids and teens with education,sports and manhood in more.
Working with at risk youth in our community/has taken an at risk youth into his home presenting that youth with accountability and stability that youth has not experienced for majority of his life/works, runs the diversion program for St. Louis county giving at risk youth the opportunity to give back to their community versus getting criminalized or by convictions that could effect their future/works at the Center, where the kids have somewhere to go after school and during the summer providing meals and stability of everyday accountability, activities for the youth to do daily
He is a force for good in our community
Pez is a positive role model for area youth and helps guide them to becoming responsible and caring adults. Pez’s effort to create positive change in this community does not go unnoticed and is largely unmatched. He has a bigger than life personality and he uses that to his advantage in building strong relationships with youth, whether hosting them at NYS or at football, as he is a coach. Pez is also a leader in the community, often being a part of local events. He is also on the board of Downtown Duluth. Personally, I’ve had nothing but positive interactions with Pez. I’ve reached out to Pez a number of times in my line of work as well and he has helped with whatever I’ve needed. There isn’t a more deserving person for this award in this community than Pez Davila.
Pez Davila is making a remarkable impact in our community by demonstrating an unwavering commitment to creating a safe and stable environment for young people. He successfully led the establishment of Neighborhood Youth Services as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and leads a dedicated team of professionals focused on building meaningful relationships while actively engaging the community through youth programs, events, and services. With a strong sense of purpose, Pez invests countless hours mentoring young people both personally and professionally, and he plays a vital role in coaching youth sports in our area. He champions opportunities for open dialogue and engagement, empowering those around him to take action. As a powerful advocate and mentor, Pez inspires transformative change and cultivates hope, ensuring that all youth and families have the opportunity to realize their full potential and thrive.
It is our profound honor to nominate Pez Davila for the Peace Hero Award. Pez represents the powerful, foundation upon which true community strength and kindness are built in Duluth. His consistent, dedicated work and leadership at Neighborhood Youth Services embody the spirit of this award: making our students and families safer, kinder, and stronger. Pez Davila leads with an exceptional, boots-on-the-ground commitment to equity and support. His work is a continuous testament to the power of a great partnership and a deep-seated belief in dignity for every student. Pez is a community leader who focuses on removing tangible barriers to success for our most underserved families. For the past four years, Pez has demonstrated an incredible, consistent commitment to our community through his unwavering support of our annual "Unity In Our Community" event. This is more than a casual appearance; Pez’s organizing ensures the day provides vital, immediate relief to hundreds of families. Pez’s vision transforms this event into an essential resource hub. His personal leadership ensures families receive essential resources, including high-quality, free backpacks filled with school supplies, guaranteeing children start the academic year prepared and confident. Furthermore, he coordinates the provision of dignity and care by arranging free haircuts and braiding—a crucial service that not only saves families considerable expense but ensures every student feels their best heading into the school year. Finally, he makes sure the day is a true celebration by supplying delicious food and drinks, transforming the event into a welcoming community gathering. The overwhelming response—with families lining up early to receive these essential items—truly shows the critical, tangible difference Pez Davila makes. His contribution is a vital part of what makes the day a success, easing the financial burden on parents and promoting a positive, supportive relationship between the district and the community. Pez Davila embodies the very definition of a Peace Hero, and we urge the committee to recognize his invaluable four years of service with this distinguished award.
Working with the youth in our community and giving families access to friendly family activities!